Bidwell House History Talk: The Battle of Louisbourg

MONTEREY, Mass. — Join the Bidwell House Museum on Aug. 23 for their last history talk of the 2025 season with Dr. Amy Watson, from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

The talk is free for members. Non-members pay $15. Only one registration is required per household. Lecture will be held via Zoom. 11 a.m.

According to a press release:

In 1745, New England colonists launched a successful expedition to conquer Louisbourg, a port in present-day Nova Scotia, which was then controlled by the French Empire. The original owner of the Bidwell House, Reverend Adonijah Bidwell, was witness to this battle as the Chaplain of the fleet. In this talk, Dr. Amy Watson will explain why New Englanders launched this invasion of a frigid Canadian port, why they were forced to return it, and what the Siege of Louisbourg can tell us about both British party politics and the origins of the American Revolution.

Amy Watson is an Assistant Professor of History at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Her first book Patriots Before Revolution: The Rise of Party Politics in the British Atlantic, 1714-1763 examines the British political origins of the Patriot party that inspired the American Revolution. The book was published by the Yale University Press in June 2025.

This lecture will be held via Zoom. Registration via the Museum event page is required, https://www.bidwellhousemuseum.org/event/the-battle-of-louisbourg/

Details for how to access the event will be sent via email 1-2 days in advance.

The Bidwell House Museum is open for guided tours from Memorial Day to October. Tours are by appointment only on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 11 a.m., 1p.m. or 3 p.m. Tours can be booked by calling 413-528-6888 or emailing bidwellhm2@gmail.com. The Museum grounds—194 acres of woods, fields, historic stonewalls, self-guided trails and picnic sites—are open every day, dawn until dusk, free of charge. The program of events can be found on the museum's website: www.bidwellhousemuseum.org.

Lt. Governor Driscoll Visits Great Barrington Businesses

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:50AM / Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, Housing Secretary Ed Augustus and state Rep. Leigh Davis are ready to chop wood out back of Pleasant and Main. 

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll did some holiday shopping on Main Street last week after announcing millions of federal Community Development Block Grant funds. 

She was glad to see an array of small-business owners thriving, and the eclectic items that Great Barrington has to offer. 

"We know that the vibrancy of communities can often be defined by what's happening on Main Street," she said. 

"It's great to be here in Great Barrington and see so many independent entrepreneurs who are running really, not only fun, but businesses that are doing well, and we want to try and find ways to uplift and support that work moving forward." 

State Rep. Leigh Davis coordinated a business tour with Pleasant and Main Cafe and General Store, Robbie's Community Market, and Butternut Ski Mountain. While downtown, Driscoll also stopped at Robin's Candy and Rob's Records and Audio. 

Earlier that day, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced $33.5 million in federal CDBG funds at the Housatonic Community Center. Great Barrington, in conjunction with Egremont and Stockbridge, has been allocated $ 1.25 million to rehabilitate approximately 14 housing units.  A new Rural and Small Town Housing Choice Community designation for its Housing Choice Initiative was also launched. 

Davis emphasized the significance of the state announcing these dollars in the small village of Housatonic.  

Craig Bero, founder of Pleasant and Main, prepared desserts and hors d'oeuvres for the group at his cozy cafe across the street from the Housatonic Community Center. Bero opened more than a decade ago after migrating from New York City, and Pleasant and Main offers sustainable, organic meals for an affordable price while enjoying the museum of antiques that is the restaurant.